Top News

Once again, coastal favourites Cornwall and Devon have fallen considerably short of the top positions, while a picturesque northern village has claimed the coveted number one spot for the sixth consecutive year.

At the opposite end of the rankings, a southern town renowned for its Butlin’s resort and boasting some of the sunniest weather in the UK has been branded the very worst of the bunch.

Which? polled more than 5,300 individuals about their experiences visiting UK coastal destinations over the past year, canvassing their opinions across a range of factors including beach quality, scenery, food and drink, accommodation, tourist attractions, shopping and value for money.

Do you agree with the rankings? Email webtravel@reachplc.com or let us know in the comments below.

Bamburgh in Northumberland claimed the top spot in Which?’s survey for the sixth year running. Achieving an overall destination score of 84 per cent, Bamburgh was awarded five stars for its beach, seafront and scenery.

Visitors lauded the “lovely beach overlooking Bamburgh Castle” and the “spectacular coastal scenery.”

It is not difficult to understand why Bamburgh is so cherished. Nestled close to the enigmatic Holy Island, it retains a quintessential village charm, complete with fish and chip shops and immaculately kept lawns, all while sitting in the shadow of one of the most breathtaking and well-preserved castles in the entire country.

The North East dominated the upper echelons of the rankings, with Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear finishing in second place with an impressive score of 82 per cent. Tynemouth earned five stars for its seafront/pier and food and drink, with one visitor commending its “wonderful fish and chips.”

Another holidaymaker praised the “magnificent” golden sand beaches.

Despite not enjoying the same levels of sunshine or dry weather as other regions of the UK, Scotland also performed admirably, securing several top ten positions. St Andrews took third place with a score of 81 per cent, achieving five stars for its beach, tourist attractions, scenery, and seafront/pier.

Crail, in Fife, claimed fifth position, owing to its whitewashed walls, cobbled streets, and charming fishing harbour.

The highest-ranking southern destination was the Essex seaside town of Frinton-on-Sea, which won over visitors with its delightful seafront and tranquil atmosphere. One visitor described it as the “perfect place for those who just want a day at the seaside with no frills and no noise.”

At the opposite end of the scale, Bognor Regis was branded the UK’s worst seaside destination. It marks the second consecutive year that the West Sussex town has propped up the rankings.

Levi Winchester, who grew up in the town, has witnessed its gradual decline over the years. “I remember many happy summers playing down the beach in Bognor Regis. At low tide, you could see sand for miles, as the smell of fish and chips wafted through the air,” Levi recalled when asked for her thoughts on a town that once served as a home to George V for three months.

“The town was always buzzing with families enjoying their trip to Butlin’s-and while the seaside resort still attracts large crowds every year, the town itself has lost its heart. The promenade lacks love and is in need of a serious revamp.

“Even under the lights of the pier, it still just feels grey and miserable. Like many other UK high streets, the main town centre is empty now with hardly any shops left. I barely recognised it when I last visited.”

Thrust into the public eye this week owing to its somewhat absent MP Nigel Farage, Clacton-on-Sea secured a disappointing position this year, ranking as the eighth worst. Notwithstanding low ratings, including one star for peace and quiet and scenery, the traditional seaside resort boasts the largest pier in Europe, with holidaymakers commending its “excellent amusement facilities.”

According to the survey, numerous well-known coastal towns achieved moderate ratings. Despite their standing as fashionable destinations, Margate (53%) and Newquay (55%) earned merely one star for peace and quiet and two stars for value for money.

Tourists remarked that Margate’s town centre appeared ‘run down’, though many commended its independent retailers and the celebrated Turner Gallery, while even Madonna has professed herself an admirer of the coastal resort. One tourist stated: “Margate is quirky and not overly commercialised. It’s got some great events and places to eat and shop. It’s still a bit rough around the edges but it knows it.”

Margate’s entertainment venue, Dreamland, proves particularly hectic with summer activities which might deter those seeking a peaceful getaway.

Well-known surfing destination Newquay achieved 55 per cent, earning merely one star for tranquillity. The coastal resort attracts stag and hen celebrations alongside youthful wave riders.

One tourist remarked it was “great for youngsters and surfers but not so good for older visitors”. Another commented: “Newquay is a brash and overly busy seaside town. There are better beaches and towns nearby which are quieter.”

Nevertheless, tourists lauded the “wonderful beaches” in Newquay, awarding four stars for this aspect.

Brought to prominence by the television comedy Gavin and Stacey, Barry Island obtained a destination rating of 54 per cent. One tourist observed: “Unless you are a big Gavin and Stacey fan I’d give it a miss.”

Tourists characterised the waterfront as “a bit tacky”; nonetheless, the beach secured three stars, with one tourist describing it as an “old-fashioned and lively seaside town, great beaches and interesting walks.”

TOP 30 SEASIDE TOWNS & VILLAGES

1. Bamburgh — 84%
2. Tynemouth — 82%
3. St Andrews — 81%
4. Aldeburgh — 80%
5. Crail — 80%
6. Frinton-on-Sea — 80%
7. Portmeirion — 80%
8. St Davids — 79%
9. Will — 78%
10. Southwold — 78%
11. North Berwick — 77%
12. Plockton – 77%
13. St Ives — 77%
14. Swanage — 77%
15. Lyme Regis — 76%
16. Lytham St Annes — 76%
17. Portstewart — 76%
18. Conwy — 75%
19. Dornoch – 75%
20. Filey — 75%
21. Lynmouth — 75%
22. Sidmouth — 75%
23. St Mawes — 75%
24. Tenby — 75%
25. Tobermory — 75%
26. Wells-next-the-Sea — 75%
27. Whitley Bay — 75%
28. Broadstairs — 74%
29. Falmouth — 74%
30. Llandudno — 74%

BOTTOM 30 SEASIDE TOWNS & VILLAGES

1. Ilfracombe — 57%
2. Minehead — 57%
3. Bridlington — 56%
4. Cleethorpes — 56%
5. Fishguard — 56%
6. Seaton — 56%
7. Torquay — 56%
8. Abersoch – 55%
9. Colwyn Bay — 55%
10. Morecambe — 55%
11. Newquay — 55%
12. Barry Island — 54%
13. Skegness — 54%
14. Mablethorpe — 53%
15. Margate — 53%
16. Paignton — 53%
17. Southport — 53%
18. Herne Bay — 52%
19. Littlehampton — 51%
20. New Brighton — 51%
21. Weston-super-Mare — 50%
22. Burnham-on-Sea — 48%
23. Clacton-on-Sea — 48%
24. Southend-on-Sea — 47%
25. Bangor — 46%
26. Blackpool — 46%
27. Fleetwood — 46%
28. Great Yarmouth — 46%
29. Lowestoft — 46%
30. Bognor Regis — 41%

Results are based on an online survey conducted in January-February 2026 of 5,320 Which? Connect panel members who spoke about 11,999 experiences of visiting a UK seaside town for leisure purposes in the previous 12 months.